Friday, 23 December 2016

Sometimes, I get lost admiring my brother's cuteness and innocence and wonder how I came to love my little brother so much. I used to think I developed love for him when I first saw him as a newborn but now I know. I actually started developping love for him even before he was born. Before he was born, I had dreams of a having a brother and would look at pictures of babies in baby magazines with him in mind when my mum was pregnant with him. These planted that seed of love I would have for my brother to come. That seed of love only grew stronger the very moment I saw him for the first time. 'I started developing love for him even before he was born'.
Does this remind you of something? Well for me, it does. It reminds me of our heavenly Father, God.

Before we were born, there may have been people who were expecting us excitedly. They had already bought baby things for us, thought of our names and were ready to make sacrifices to take care of us. You could say, the moment they discovered we were in our mommy's tummy, it ignited that fire of love towards us in them.

But what about the One who created us; that even before we were in the womb already:
1. had us in mind. Isaiah 46:3b: I have cared for you since you were born. Yes, I carried you before you were born.

2. made plans concerning us. Genesis 1:26-27: Then God said, 'Let us make man in Our image, to be like us....[27] So God created human beings in His own image.

3. knew what our purpose would be. Isaiah 49:1b: The Lord called me before my birth; from within the womb He called me by name.

4. (Embryology students are familiar with this part) Each day,each week, He carefully transformed us from zygote to morula to bilaminar disc to trilaminar disc to embryo to foetus.(I assure you this is is very complex) Psalm 139:13-17:You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body...[15] You watched me as I was being formed...[16]You saw me before I was born...[17] How precious are your thoughts about me, O God....

He knew we would be born into sin but He still wants us to be with Him someday so He sent Jesus to die for us. John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that He sent his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.
We are still alive? Who is keeping us and why? Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

We have gone through our worst periods yet survived. How? Mattew 28:20b: And be sure of this, I am with you always , even to the ends of the earth. Dear reader, what message am I trying to pass? God loves us. Even if:1. the world turns their back on us, He says in Isaiah 49:15-16: "Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has born? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you![16] See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands. Always in My mind is a picture of Jerusalem's walls in ruins( PARAPHRASE: always in my mind is a picture of you even in your most down broken moments).2.our close ones leave us, He says in : Isaiah 44:21b: I,the Lord made you, and I will not forget you.Isaiah 43:1-2: But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you...[20] When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.3. others have written us off as trash, He says in 1 Samuel 16:7b: The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the lord looks at the heart."4. we may have condemned ourselves as too dirty to make it to heaven, He says in Ezekiel 18:24.: " Do you think that I like to see the wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live!Ephesians 2:4: But God is so rich in mercy and He loves us so much5. we feel we are worth nothing with nothing of value to contribute to the world, we are not the first people to be in this situation. Look at Isaiah 49:4: I replied," But my work seems useless! I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose. Yet I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my reward.[5] And now the Lord speaks- the One who formed me in my mother's womb to be His servant...[6] He says,"... I will make you a light to the Gentiles,..." [7] The Lord, the Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by nations,...: "Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the Lord, the Faithful One,The Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."

He loves us despite our imperfections, disabilities, shortcomings, flaws,failures,mistakes, past and background. I John 3:1a: See how very much Our Father loves us, for He calls us His children and that is what we are!Ephesians 1:4: Even before He made the world, God loves us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.[5] God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do and it gave him great pleasure.We are no mistake; we are planned. Jeremiah 1:5:"I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart...We were loved even before we came to earth, we are still loved, we will always be loved... by our Heavenly Father, Jehovah God.

Romans 8:35-39: Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity or are persecuted or hungry or destitute or in danger or threatened with death?....[38] And I am convinced that nothing can ever seperaye us from God's love...[39] No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed Christ Jesus Our Lord.

You can click the video below to listen to an uplifting song by Hillsong about God, the Father.

Wednesday, 21 December 2016

We are in the 21st century- often called the ‘jet
age’ – the period when everything seems to move fast…well like a jet. We eat
fast food, drive fast-moving cars, we send messages to any part of the world
within seconds thanks to the internet, even children grow fast because of the
prevalent media.

If we were to come
down to our goals and dreams, we want to achieve them fast. We want to lose as
many pounds possible within a month. As students, we are already holding down
jobs. We want to be famous already so we have thousands of friends on Facebook
and Twitter. We want to make money fast… so we do MMM, icharity, Giversforum,
Bitcoin,Bet 9ja and other similar networking businesses.

I admit, I too am guilty of this. As a girl still living under
her parents, I crave independence sometimes. I want to start making my own
money. I want to be what I want to be not in years to come but now.

2016, Nigeria experienced the ‘BOOM’ of networking
businesses aka online making quick money schemes that are not illegal.
Everywhere you go, every call you get, every social network, the question that
comes your way is: ‘Have you heard of MMM/Ultimatecycler/Help2get…etc. They all
had amazing different offers but one thing they all had in common: An assurance
that you would yield stupendous profits- even up to 90%- of whatever you
invested into them.

So I involved myself
in two or three of them and you could guess why. In particularly one, I put in
the largest sum I had ever invested in the networking business (don’t worry, it
was not even up to a quarter of a N100k but it was still big for me :/). I was
told that within one week, I had get four times what I had put in. One week
passed and it never came. I was downcast. Two weeks, then three weeks…then
still nothing. I ‘mourned’ for my loss. All I wanted to do was to make quick
money as long as it did not involve illegal means and it did not work out.

One day during my ‘mourning’
period, the water supply finished in my house. I had put

on the tap but only drops came out. I left a bucket under it
anyway. Some hours later, I came back to it. The bucket was full to the brim
and overflowing. No, the water supply was not back neither was the tap flowing normally.
Matter of fact, it still trickled out water but because the bucket had remained
under it for hours, it had eventually got full.

I learned a lesson
that day: It’s the little things that matter.

All it took to fill up that bucket were the drops of water that
never stopped coming. All it takes for a toddler to start walking is one
wobbling toddle at a time. All it takes for water to boil is that 1-degree rise
in temperature. All it takes to finish one book is one page at a time. All it
takes to get to the end of a staircase is one step at a time. All it takes to
make a building is one block at a time. All it takes to grow a church is one
soul more each service. All it takes to create another generation is a baby to
be born. All it takes to make a millennium is one day more. (Can you give more
examples? Write them in the comment box below J
).

So you see, it is not the big things that really matter but
the small things. Remove the small things that make up the big thing one by
one, you had end up with nothing.

If I want to be an artist, I have to consistently practise
even if it means making sketches. If I want to lose weight, I have to eat right
and exercise each day. If I want to succeed and achieve my goals, I have to
work hard towards it every day.

We want to be successful, fulfil our purpose, be
millionaires but all that won’t happen overnight or even over months. It may
take years to come but that effort we put in everyday is what will take us
closer to our dreams.

That small smile we give out may be all it takes to brighten
up someone’s mood. That little prayer we make each day is what draws our
miracles closer. A short sentence: ‘I love you’ (but said with sincerity! ) can
save people from feelings of loneliness, sadness, depression or worse. And
better: it makes a person feel valuable and loved.

So let’s not feel
bad if we have not achieved our goals yet. I would never forget what a cartoon
character I once watched on TV said, ‘I may not be where I want to be but I am
better than I was yesterday’. Neither should we be so hard on ourselves if we
made mistakes along the way. After all, the only people who don’t make mistakes
at all are only those who never do anything.

Experience is a teacher and each day another opportunity to start
again. Remember whatever we want to be or get just requires that extra
something.

No doubt the Bible agrees with me on this. See what it says
in:

1.Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these
small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb
line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

2.Job 4:10: “And though you started with
little, you will end with much.”

3.Isaiah 60:2: “The smallest family will
become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At
the right time, I, the Lord will make it happen.”

Simply go to www.smashwords.com and search for 'Overthrown'. It would come up. Click on it to buy and get it in any format you want: pdf, epub, pdb, etc

The good news is that it is also available on other websites for purchase like: 'Barnes and Noble', 'Kobo', 'Scribd', 'Hive.co.uk', 'Baker & Taylor' and many other eBook platforms. To search for it on these websites, type 'Overthrown by Mimie'.

If you are Nigerian, you could purchase it at www.okadabooks.com. To search for it on the website, simply type 'Overthrown' and it would come up. Preferably, you could email me at florah340@gmail.com to order. Then I would send you the Pdf or Word format.

Please feel free to comment on the book here or by email. I would love to get a feedback from you. :)

Friday, 11 November 2016

STUDENTS IN NETWORKING BUSINESS
"The most important piece of advice I would give to a student in college is don't start looking for a job your last semester or after you graduate. Job hunting begins with networking, interning, having a part-time job in a field of interest prior to graduation," Randy Harrison.

It's no news students can generate income through the internet while in school. Internet businesses are less stressful, less distracting and reduces job hunting.

Internet businesses include:

1. Selling used products on classified ads like OLX, JIJI.

2. Get paid for online tutoring jobs on sites like tutor.com, tutorcare.com.

3. Get paid for writing articles on sites like iwriter.com, writerlance.com.

4. Create an online store where you sell personal creations or services.

5. You could sell last semester books on sites like eBay, Amazon, Cash4Books.com.

6. Register on YouTube, post videos and get paid as viewers watch them.

7. Write books for EBook and sell them.

8. Register in sites like stockxpert.com, photoshelter.com, upload pictures and get paid as people download them.

Look for sites where you can make honest money. Don't wait until the last minute!

Is God aware of what I am going through? Does He care? Did I do something so wrong that made Him turn His back on me and not take me as His child anymore? Maybe He's just taking a nap?

How often do typical questions come to our minds especially when we are passing through crises or when watching a loved one suffer. During such times, everything seems to be against us and we begin to lose hope. We may wonder if serving God is worth it. After all,we have prayed, fasted, obeyed Him and yet it seems to no avail.
Whether we going through such hard times, have gone through such or have never been there, God has given us His word to help us overcome and strengthen our faith in Him. Here are a few faith-building verses:

1. Numbers 23:19 : God is not a man,that He should lie, neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?
The word of God- the Bible- is one of the many ways God speaks to us, therefore we should read and believe. READ ALSO: Isaiah 55:11.

2. ROMANS 8:35 : Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword?
We should never forget that God loves us no matter our imperfections, sins or trials we face. READ ALSO : Romans 8:31-39, John 3:16.

3. ISAIAH 43:2 : When thee passesst through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
God is with us no matter what we go through and wherever we are. READ ALSO: Isaiah 43:1-6, Isaiah 41:9-10, Proverbs 3:25-26.

4. 1 PETER 3:12 : For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
We should always bear in mind that God cares about us. READ ALSO :Luke 12:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, Isaiah 41:17, Isaiah 59:1.

5. MATTHEW 7:11: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?
We ought to keep on praying in faith, without doubt and without giving up. READ ALSO: Romans 8:32, Luke18:1-8, James 1:6-7, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 21:22.

6. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 : There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able: but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
God knows our capacities and will not let us go through a trial beyond our capacities. We are not the first people in that kind of situation and our going through it means we have the potentials to not only overcome but to discover ourselves more and emerge as better people. READ ALSO: 2 Peter 2:9, 2 Corinthians 12:19, Luke 6:40, Hebrews 5:8, Hebrews 12:6-11, James 1:2-4.

7. ISAIAH 55:8: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.
We may not understand why certain things happen like losing a loved one for instance, but we must depend on Him because He knows best and the reason why He allowed it. READ ALSO: Romans 8:28, Matthew 6: 30-34, 1 Corinthians 2:16.

8. JAMES 4:3: Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Sometimes, we do not get answers to our prayers not because God does not hear us but we ask for the wrong things. We should keep in check that what we are asking is in line with God's word. At times, God has better things for us so He does not give us what we ask at that time. READ ALSO : Ephesians 4:20, Matthew 6:33.

9. ISAIAH 43:18: Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
We have made mistakes in the past and we did not always get the answer we wanted from God but those should never be reasons to get discouraged from asking God for something or to see ourselves as unworthy of asking God anything. READ ALSO: Philippians 3:13-14, Isaiah 43:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

10. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:57: But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible assures us that if we persevere till the end, God would bring us out of the 'pit' and reward us and if not here on earth but in heaven also. READ ALSO: James 1:12-13, John 5:4-5, 1 Corinthians 15:58, 1 Corinthians 2:9.

We are not the first through tough times; Ecclesiastes 1:9 puts it this way:History merely repeats itself. It has all be done before. Nothing under the sun is new (New Living Translation). Biblical characters like Job, David, Daniel, Paul and even our Lord Jesus as wall as renowned pastors like Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Pastor Oyedepo also had their fair share of trials. Dr Chris Kwavpovwe -the founder and writer of 'Our Daily Manna' devotional- attempted suicide out of depression but God saved him and today, this devotional book blesses people and heals the depressed. Pastor David Ibiyeomie at a point could only give 50 naira as offering(it was his biggest and all he had at that time) and sipped garri day in and day out but he continued serving God and kept believing. Today he is a well-known pastor of prosperity and is worth more than billions of naira.
What we pass through is not meant to break us but to build us, neither is it meant to ruin us but to refine us. So we should keep us believing and looking up to God, think positively, dream big, take bold steps, rise after each fall(Proverbs 24:16) and in due season we would receive our rewards. A Chinese proverbs goes: 'Just as diamond cannot be polished without friction, man cannot be perfected without trials.'

Famous Failures.
The people I'm going to mention here are all people who failed at different points of their lives.

Hope that after reading this, you won't give up on your dreams.

1. Henry Ford : Ford's first two automobiles failed.
That did not stop him from incorporating Ford Motor Company. He not only revolutionized the industrial production in US and Europe but also had such influence over the 20th century economy and society. He became one of the three most famous and richest men in the world during his time.
He said, 'Failure is the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.'

2.Albert Einstein : When he was young, his parents thought he was mentally retarded. His grades in school were so poor that a teacher asked him to quit saying, 'Einstein, you will never amount to anything!' Also, he didn't speak until he turned 4 and didn't read until he was 7.
Today, he is remembered as the theoretical physicist widely regarded as the most important scientist of the 20th century. In 1921, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.
He said, 'Imagination is more important than knowledge.'

3.Walt Disney : Disney started his own business from his home garage and his first cartoon production went bankrupt. During his first press conference, a newspaper ridiculed him because 'he had no good ideas' for film production.
But later on, he became a film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor and animator. He founded the production company, known worldwide as 'The Walt Disney company' which makes average revenue of US $30 billion annually.
He said, ' Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.'

4.Michael Jordan : Before joining the NBA, Jordan was just an ordinary person, so ordinary he was cut from his high school basketball team because of 'his lack of 'skill'.
By acclamation, he is the greatest basketball player of all time with a unique combination of grace, speed, power and ability.
He said, 'I have failed over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.'

5.Ludwig van Beethoven : Before the start of his career, his music teacher once said of him "as a composer, he is hopeless". During his career, he lost his hearing and yet, he managed to produce great music - ironic, isn't it?
He became one of history's supreme composers both inspiring and intimidating composers and audiences who were to come after him.
"Don't practice your art, but force your way into its secrets.'

5.J.K.Rowling : At one point in her life, she was nearly penniless, depressed, divorced and had to raise her child on her own. Harry Potter, a manuscript she later came to write, was rejected by 12 publishers.
However, it was later accepted for publication by Bloomberry company and is global brand estimated to be worth $15 billion today.

6.Isaac Newton : When he was young, he did poorly in his grade school, so poor that his teachers gave up on improving his grades.
As some of us know, he became the greatest mathematician of his generation, his works on optics and gravitation made him one of the greatest scientists the world has ever known.

7.Marilyn Munroe : One year into her contract, she was dropped by 20th century Fox because her producer thought she was unattractive and couldn't act. That didn't deter her at all!
She kept on going and eventually she was recognized by the public as the 20th century's most famous movie star and pop icon.

8.Oprah Winfrey : She was fired from her television reporting job as "she was deemed not suitable for television."
As some might say, she became the undisputed queen of television with her talk show, 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' which inspires people. In our time, she is one of the richest women alive.

9.Thomas Edison : When he was a boy, his teacher told him he was too stupid to learn anything. When he set out on his own,he tried more than 9,000 experiments before he created the first successful light bulb.
Not only that, he developed many other devices and is considered one of the most prolific inventors holding 1,093 US patents to his name.
He said, 'I haven't failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work.'

10.Benjamin Carson : When he was younger, he was dull and at the bottom of the class. So dull that when he managed to have a 'D' grade, his teacher praised him. He came from a poor family, abandoned by his father,often discriminated because of his race and had a bad temper.
As God should have it, he became one of the world's most acclaimed neurosurgeons, paediatricians and role model to many that inspires people.

11.Buchi Emecheta: This lady had a rough life. She was treated unfairly by her husband, discriminated because of her gender and her written works were rejected by many publishers.
But she never gave up. Eventually, she was able to publish her books. Her most famous being, 'The joys of motherhood'. Her works not only made her famous worldwide, but had also fought against gender discrimination and inspired many of us out there.

I could go on and on, but I believe we have already got the message. Keep on trying, going and working. Someday you would look back and say, 'I am glad I never gave up on my dreams.'. And keep in mind that, 'If you've never failed, you've never tried anything new.'

The King and the spider.
Hundreds of years ago, there was a king of Scotland and his name was Robert the Bruce. The king of England was at war with him and had led a great army into Scotland to drive him out of the land and to make Scotland part of England.
Battle after battle, he had fought with England. Six times, he and his little brave army had been defeated until they were driven into flight. At last, the army of Scotland was entirely scattered and the king was forced to hide in the woods.
One rainy day, Robert the Bruce lay in a cave tired, sick at heart and ready to give up all hope. As he lay thinking, he noticed a spider over his head getting ready to weave her web. He watched her as she worked slowly and with great care. Six times, she tried to grow her thread from on edge of the cave wall to another. Six times her thread fell short.
"Poor thing!" thought Robert the Bruce, "You too know what it's like to fall six times in a row."

But the spider did not lose hope. With still much care, she made ready to try for a second time. Robert the Bruce almost forgot his own troubles as he watched, fascinated. She swung herself out upon the slender line.
Would she fall again? No! The thread was safely carried to the cave wall and fastened there.
"Yes!" cried Bruce, "I too will try a seventh time!"
So, he arose and called his men together, telling them of his plans and sending them out with hopeful messages to cheer the discouraged people.. Soon there was an army of brave men around him. A seventh battle was fought and the king of England was forced to retreat back to his own country.

It was not long before England had to recognize Scotland as an independent country with Robert the Bruce as its rightful king.
And to this very day, the victory and independence of Scotland is traced to a spider that kept trying again and again to spin her web in a cave and inspired the then king of Scotland, Robert the Bruce.

Dear reader, the message behind the story is clear: keep on trying no matter how many times you have fallen and one day, you would succeed.

Remember Proverbs 24:16a: For the righteous falls seven times and rise again.

You may already know that Nigeria is the
largest black nation in the world and the
most populous nation in Africa.

You may already know that Nigeria has
great dependency on crude oil, plus all the other opinions of David Cameron.

Here are 20 unpopular facts about Nigeria.

1. Are you aware that all over the world
Nigerians are setting the pace and becoming the standard by which others measure themselves? Do you know?

2. In the US, Nigerians are the most educated immigrant community. Type it into Google and you’ll see it. Not one of the most educated, the most educated.

3. 60% of Nigerians in the US have college degrees. This is far above the American national average of 30%.

4. Nigerians in US are one of the highest earners, typically earning 25% more than
the median US income of $53k.

5. In Ivy League schools in Europe and America, Nigerians routinely outperform their peers from other nations.

6. A Nigerian family, The Imafidon family, have officially been named the smartest family in the UK.

7. The designer of the famous car, Chevrolet Volt, Jelani Aliyu, is a super
talented Nigerian from Sokoto State.

8. The World’s fastest supercomputer was
designed by a world renowned inventor
and scientist, Philip Emeagwali, a full-
blown Nigerian whose patency was awarded in 2015. This means Nigeria has the patency to the world’s fastest computer: a Black Nigerian.

9. The wealthiest Black man and woman on earth are Nigerians, Aliko Dangote and Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija. Both have no trace of criminal record of any kind.

10. South Africa couldn’t have ended apartheid & achieved Black rule if not for the leadership role Nigeria played.

11. Of the 3 South African Presidents who
ruled after apartheid, two of them once
lived in Nigeria under asylum. Both Nelson Mandela (60s) and Thabo Mbeki (70s) lived in Nigeria before becoming President of South Africa. We gave financial support, human support, boycotted an Olympics and
our politicians, musicians and activists campaigned relentlessly.

12. Nigeria spent over $3 Billion and lost
hundreds of soldiers to end the wars in both Liberia and Sierra Leone which the world ignored because they have no oil.

13. When there was a coup in São Tomé and Príncipe in 2003, Nigeria restored the
elected President back to power.

14. Before there were street lights in European cities, ancient Benin kingdom had street lights fueled by palm oil.

15. 500 years ago, Benin casted metal alloys to create magnificent art including the world famous Queen Ida Mask.

16. Amina was a warrior queen who ruled Zaria Emirate in Kaduna state, Northwestern Nigeria 400 years ago in 1610. Google and see what she means to Africa.

17. We gave monetary gifts to Ireland during our oil boom and built a statue for
France free of charge. We are not poor blacks. Nigeria is rich and don’t be lied to.

18. The first television station in Africa was NTA Ibadan (1960) long before Ireland has their RTE station.

=========
Wherever you look in this great country, Nigeria, heroes abound both now and in our recent and ancient past.

If all you do is listen to mainstream Western media, you’ll not get the full picture of your Nigerian heritage.

Do not listen to any leader who says Nigerians are criminals, no matter who he is, or his height and position.

We’re not a nation of scammers, drugs & corruption, but a people with a verifiable track record of greatness.

==========
Here is what CNN, BBC, Aljezeera and western media will not tell you about Nigerians:

19. On the 7th May, 2016 at Howard University in Washington D.C history was
made. Out of 96 graduating Doctor of Pharmacy candidates, 43 of them were Nigerians and out of 27 awards given, 16 went to Nigerians.
The entire world still envies our uniqueness as a NATION with living together despite our ethnic diversity. One single country with over 400 languages.

They will only tell you how Nigerians are scammers and cheats, how Nigerians are into drugs overseas et al.

If you don’t blow your trumpet, no one
will blow it for you.

20. There are over 180,000,000 Nigerians
world over and only less than 250,000 of this figure have traceable criminal records.

This is about 0.14% of our entire national population in the last 20 years: nothing close to 1%. Shame on global media.

Listen Nigeria, don't let anybody woo you
into believing that you are a criminal just because you are a Nigerian.

Saturday, 8 October 2016

My nation, Nigeria
I woke up this morning, did my chores, had my breakfast and after all that was to be done was done, I checked my What'sapp messages. There was one particular message I saw that touched my heart. But before I go on to tell you the message, let me begin with some inspiring messages from God's word, the Bible. This was taken from Zechariah 8, so you had do well to read all of it. This is for you regardless of your nation, tribe, family or background. So here it goes:

Zechariah 8 verse 2: This is what the Lord says : My love for Mount Zion(Nigeria) is strong: I am consumed with passion for Jerusalem(Nigeria)!

Verse 4: This is what the Lord says: Once again old men and women will walk Jerusalem's (Nigeria's) streets with their canes and will sit together in the city's squares.[Verse 5] And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls at play.

Verse 6: This is what the Lord says : All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God's people. But is it impossible for me?

Verse 12: For I am planting seeds of prosperity among you. The grapevines will be heavy with fruit. The earth will produce its crops, and the heavens will raise its dew. Once more I will cause the remnant of Judah and Israel(Nigeria and Rivers State) to inherit these blessings.

Verse 13: Among the other nations, Judah and Israel(Nigeria and Rivers State) became symbols of a cursed nation. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and source of blessing. So don't be afraid. Be strong, and get on with the building of the Temple(nation Nigeria)!

Verse 20: This is what the Lord says : People from nations and cities around the world will travel to Jerusalem(Nigeria).

Verse 21: The people of one city will say to the people of another, 'Come with us to Jerusalem(Nigeria) to ask the Lord to bless us. Let us worship the Lord. I'm determined to go.'

Verse 22: Many people and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem(Nigeria) to seek the Lord and to ask for His blessing.

Verse 23: This is what the Lord says : In those days ten men from different nations and languages of the world will clutch at the sleeve of one Jew(Nigerian). And they will say, 'Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'

These blessings are for you too. In faith, replace Jerusalem with your family, community, tribe, state, country, nation or continent. No matter what craziness, economic depression, crimes, plagues, violence, scorn from other nations your nation may be facing, this message from Zechariah 8 makes it clear that God can change our nation if we believe it and pray for our nation daily.

'Is it possible?' you may ask. Luke 1;37 says, 'For nothing is impossible with God.'
Yes, it is possible that one day your nation will be a better place.

'What should we do?' 2 Chronicles 7:14 says,'Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.[15] My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.'
All that is required of us is genuine repentance and praying for our nation always.

Zechariah 8: 9 says, ''Be strong and finish the task!'' Let us never give up on our nation. Work hard in any little way that you can to make it a better place.

I believe in my nation. The message I saw not only made me believe in Nigeria but assured me that Nigeria is still a work in progress. Click HERE to know some facts hardly anyone would tell you about Nigeria. I believe that one day, Nigeria would be one of the greatest most enviable nations on earth, yes I believe...

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

School is not easy especially as we progress in university. Often we get weighed down by school work, we get depressed and put our spiritual life aside. Often we wonder why God would leave us to go through school stress alone. Often we just want to give up. We wonder if school is worth it and why we even entered in the first place.
But here is the good news. What we may be passing through is not new. People in time past passed through periods of intense challenges and stress. David, Elijah, Paul, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Ben Carson and even Jesus Christ had trying times but they all scaled through. If they could, then we could too because as children of God, we have been given the grace( 2 Corinthians 12:9). A renowned pastor once said,"Challenges are not to ruin you but to renew you." Still, we need the word to remain strong and assure us of victory. That is why this bible verses have been compiled to help us keep strong and have faith in trying times and beyond.

God is the One Being we can truly rely on
1.Psalm 121:2: My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

Stress, anxiety and doubt: we never have to be afraid of exams.2.Hebrews 13:6 : So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man will do to me.
3.Romans 8:31 : What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
4.Proverbs 3:25-26 : Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it cometh. [26] For the Lord will be thy confidence, and shall keep thy feet from being taken.

We were not chosen because we were perfect for the task. God deliberately chose us in spite of our weaknesses.
5.1 Corinthians 1:27-29 : But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty. [28] And base things of this world, and things which are despised hath God chosen, yea, and the things which are not, to bring to nought the things which are. [29] That no flesh should glory in His presence.
6.Isaiah 41:9-10 : Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. [10] Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not be dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
7.2 Corinthians 12:9 : And He said unto me.''My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It is normal to have times of depression but God would rescue us out of them.8. Daniel 10:19 : And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my Lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.
9.Isaiah 43:1-2 : But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, "O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. [2] When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fires, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

God would always help us to persevere in hardships, distress and sleeplessness.
10.2 Thessalonians 3:5 : And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting of Christ.
11.Joshua 1:5-9 : There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of your life: as I was with Moses, so will I be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. [6] Be strong and of good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give them. [7] Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee, turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whither soever thou goest. [8] This book of the Lord shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein : for then thou shalt make thy ways prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. [9] Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whither soever thou goest.

We do not face exams alone; God is right by our sides fighting for us.
12.I Corinthians 15:57: But thanks be unto God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We should refuse to dwell on past failures, past mistakes or impossibility of circumstances.
13.2 Corinthians 5:17 : Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

I hope this was of benefit to you in someway but these are not all. There are so many verses like these in the Bible to explore on. Please feel free to share them in the comment box below if you have or you could simply say your mind on how you feel. Let me share with you my story.
When I was done with my Year 1 first semester examinations, I was so tensed about what the results would be like. Sure I had put in my best but one could never be so sure - stories of missing results, wrong marking and the like are common fears of university students. But time and again, God spoke to me in more ways than one that I should not be afraid. Instead, I should have great faith as I pray about my result; each day and decree how I wanted my results to be like. It was not easy - having faith, persevering, hoping, waiting(impatiently), praying with bible verses and saying each day I woke up "I am going to have 'A's in all my courses. It took quite a deal out of me but it paid of anyway. When I saw the results with the excellent grades and could not help being blissful. God answered my prayers. I applied this same technique in my second semester and got even better results. But remember, you must put your very best in your academics even if it it is very demanding- this is paramount. Right now, I'm in my second year and truth be told, I don't know how the results would be like but I would share my story with you when the times comes. Your reading ends here dear Reader, good bye!

Monday, 23 May 2016

This period I began watching a seasonal movie out of boredom. It had been lying around in the house and I never picked in interest in it until it was either it or melancholic boredom.The name of this seasonal film is...THE FLASH.Gosh! From the very first episode I fell in love with this film.I was fascinated by the drama, action, romance and the coolest of them all...the protagonist's superhuman speed. His speed is faster than the speed of light- 3.0×10^8m/s.His speed is just like the flash of light and hence the name of the film - THE FLASH.
But I got an inspiration. It suddenly came to my mind that this year 2016 is My Year of Supernatural Speed - that's the theme of the year taken by the church I attend, Salvation Ministries. Perhaps that could be a good reason why I was so absorbed in the film! Just yesterday, 22nd May 2016,the prophet-Pastor David Ibiyeomie gave a word of knowledge that all those celebrating in May(birthdays, anniversaries) would by the grace of God move to greater heights and feats with Supernatural Speed! That's to say what would have normally taken us 10 months to achieve can takes 5 months for instance.(By the way, I'm born in May). If you're reading this, you can key into this blessing and say Amen and type it in the comment box below if you so wish to.
'The Flash' got his superhuman speed from a lightening bolt.We christians get our supernatural speed from the source of light - God!(Genesis 1:3).Just believe God would take you to greater heights speedily faster than your mates and contemporaries. But first of all, you must be born again. If you're not say: ' Lord Jesus, I believe you died to save me on the cross. Thank you. Please forgive me of my sins. Wash them a way with your blood and make me new. I accept you Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.Please accept me too. Thank you Lord for prayers answered.In Jesus' name, amen.' Well, that's it, then read your bible, go to a good church and obey God. C'est tout.
Achieving your dream that's also in line with God's will may not happen in a flash but it would certainly happen with supernatural speed if you can believe. Here are some verses to chew on as I close:
1. Isaiah 40:31: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.
2. 1 Kings 18:46: Then the Lore gave special strength to Elijah. He turned his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab's chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel.

Thursday, 19 May 2016

Right this period, there is so much going on around us and they can be really frustrating. Do I need to mention them? Redundancy especially in the oil companies, the value of the Naira falling daily, drop in the oil price yet an increasing in the price of petrol sold, strikes, Boko Haram in the North and crimes of all sorts in the South... and all these lead to or are as a result of HARDSHIP.
This hardship is not just here in Nigeria but is also happening nationwide. But one thing stands, the reverse would be the case for the children of God if only we are truly born again, believe and keep on looking up to God. Remember how Abraham (Genesis 12:10, Genesis 13:2) and Joseph (Genesis 41:57) prospered despite the severe famine? Do you also remember that we are descendants of Abraham by faith? (Romans 4:16). If they could prosper, then we could too because by faith we are partakers of the same divine grace and provision. (Genesis 12:2-3)
'Papa' ie Pastor David Ibiyeomie as he is often fondly called, said that it is only the people of God who would continue to prosper despite the nation-wide hardship (Matthew 24:21-22). He himself is a living testimony and witness of God's divine grace and provision. Do you believe Pastor David? Well, I do (2 Chronicles 20:20). Do you believe that God is keeping you and would continue to do so in the midst of these turbulent times? Here are a few verses to wax your faith stronger:

1. Habakkuk 1:5 : Behold ye among the heathen,and regard, and wonder marvellously; for I will work a work in your days, which you would not believe though it be told to you.

2. Psalm 37:19 : They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they would have more than enough.

3. Psalm 34:5 : Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy, no shadow of shame would darken their faces.

4. Malachi 3:10 : Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in My house, and prove Me now herewith saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Are you familiar with the promises of God for His children? (Psalm 34:10). Do you believe Him? As for me, I do (Isaiah 55:11). Keep on tithing, giving, hoping, believing and praying. As a matter of fact, I have a testimony. I have been giving even if it seemed difficult and everywhere seemed dry but today, my aunt in the UK sent some cash to us. Can you believe it? Even without our asking her and who else would be behind this if not God?(Proverbs 21:2) If you ask me, this phase we are passing through is not meant to ruin us but to purify us instead. Neither is it meant to break us but to build us. You may have noticed by now, people are becoming more innovative. People are beginning to depend less on the oil companies and venturing more to entrepreneurship. What are you good at? What is that dream that is always in your heart? Whatever it is, start doing something positive with it; petit a petit, l'oiseau fait son nit. Small as it may seem now but with perseverance and dreaming big, it would manifest big someday.The bible says in Job 8:7: Though thy beginning be small,yet thy latter end should greatly increase.
A Chinese proverb goes : Just as diamond cannot be polished without friction, man can not be perfected without trials. And I close on this verse, Malachi 3:3 : And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

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About Me

I'm Nigerian, Christian, currently a student and have a dream of being a renowned writer someday but the right now, I hope that by my blog, you would get inspired and learn so much. I really appreciate you! Feel free to comment and share your thoughts with me. My email is florah340@gmail.com. Thanks!